By Abasi Ita, Calabar
Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has called for urgent federal intervention to fix the collapsed Uyo–Odukpani–Calabar road, describing it as a vital economic lifeline whose poor state has crippled trade and transportation across the South-South region.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, made the appeal while receiving members of the Joint National Assembly Committee on Works, led by Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works, during a courtesy visit to Government House, Calabar.
Odey commended the committee for its nationwide inspection tour and lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating the Calabar–Lagos Coastal Highway project, which he described as a landmark step toward regional economic integration.
He, however, lamented the worsening condition of the Uyo–Odukpani–Calabar road, saying it has disrupted movement and hampered the operations of industries such as Lafarge Cement Company.
“The condition of this road is truly worrisome,” Odey said. “It connects Cross River to other parts of the country. Its collapse affects both people and the economy. Trucks can hardly move goods out of the state. The Federal Government must intervene immediately—this is an emergency.”
He reaffirmed the state’s readiness to partner with all relevant stakeholders to address critical infrastructure needs.
In his remarks, Hon. Akin Alabi said the committee’s visit was part of its nationwide oversight to assess federal road projects and review ongoing interventions by the Ministry of Works.
Alabi described the Uyo–Odukpani–Calabar road as one of the worst in the country, calling for decisive federal action to end years of neglect and contract inconsistencies.
“This road is a national emergency,” he said. “We have witnessed multiple contract terminations and changes that have stalled progress. It is time to fix it once and for all.”
He revealed that the National Assembly would soon convene a public hearing involving the Ministry of Works, contractors, the Cross River State Government, and civil society to find a sustainable solution.
The visit came shortly after the committee urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on all federal roads in Cross River State due to their deplorable condition and impact on economic activities.